The Music of Architecture

Sometimes the best way to truly understand one art form is through the words of another. Although the finished work doesn’t move, architecture trends still retain a rhythm, a beat, a tone, and a style. Understanding architecture through music is natural, and applying musical terms to architectural ideas brings greater understanding to both art forms.

Beams converge to create rhythm and awe in this custom home.

Here are some overlaps in music and architecture in Seattle:

Dolce

In music, this term lets the musician know to play delicately and with a light touch. In architecture it refers to the intricacy and the craftsmanship required to create delicate but powerful details. The principle of less often applies to enduring architecture trends, just as we’ll see in the next example.

Architecture trends find life in simplicity.

Modern Family Room by Bellevue Architects & Designers Gelotte Hommas Architecture via Houzz (Dolce)

Ma non troppo

Literally stated, this means “not too much.” In music, it is added with another direction to mean not to go too far. To play “allegro ma non troppo” means to play fast, but not too fast. Architecture trends often reflect this idea whenever restraint is used and a “less is more” approach is taken.

Contemporary Exterior by Bellevue Architects & Designers Gelotte Hommas Architecture via Houzz (Ma Non Troppo)

Sforzando

Loud and strong. Music that is played sforzando is meant to be heard; it is played with force and is aggressively seeking attention. Architectural features that are sforzando are similarly aggressive–sharp angles, contrasting colors or textures–elements that are designed to stand out and stand alone. Textures and statement walls often play this role.

Eclectic Living Room by Bellevue Architects & Designers Gelotte Hommas Architecturevia Houzz (Sforzando)

Vivace

Lively and upbeat, it is easy to imagine music that is vivace. Light notes and higher tones skip along in a quick tempo. Vivace architecture is similarly busy and light. There may be several complimentary elements throughout one space, many different spaces that are connected, or lots of interesting objects and focal points to keep the eye and the mind busy.

Modern Family Room by Bellevue Architects & Designers Gelotte Hommas Architecture via Houzz (Vivace)

Gelotte Hommas has been bringing art to architecture in Seattle for more than 30 years. We’d love to help you incorporate some of these musical notes into your next project.

(For unique architecture in Seattle that endeavors to bring music to life, check out the MoPOP building.)